Systems and methods for providing  dishware having a utensil retainer

ABSTRACT

A dish and utensil retainer corresponding to the dish, wherein the utensil retainer is sized and shaped to selectively receive and retain a utensil on the dish.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/331,773, filed May 5, 2010, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING DISHWARE HAVING A UTENSIL RETAINER,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to dishware having a utensil retainer. In particular, the present invention relates to a dishware having a utensil retainer that selectively retains a utensil in a substantially fixed position on the dishware when the utensil is not in use.

2. Background

Dishware is commonly used in meal preparation and service, and can be accompanied with serving utensils. During the transportation and placement of the dishware, the accompanying utensils can have the tendency to fall from the dishware. As a result, the accompanying utensil can get dirty or messy, may break, or may need to be cleaned or replaced.

Thus, while techniques currently exist that are used to prepare and serve food, challenges still exist. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace current techniques and apparatuses with other techniques and apparatuses.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to dishware having a utensil retainer. In particular, the present invention relates to a dishware having a utensil retainer that selectively retains a utensil in a substantially fixed position on the dishware when the utensil is not in use.

Implementation of the present invention takes place in association with dishware, such as a plate, bowl, or other vessel for holding food or an edible product, and a utensil retainer that is either integral with the dish or retrofitted to the dishware. In some implementations the utensil retainer includes a magnet embedded within the dishware. In some implementations the utensil retainer includes a protruding retainer that extends from the dish. In some implementations a utensil is included, and the utensil includes a retaining element that corresponds with the utensil retainer.

Implementation of the present invention includes a manner to keep a utensil on or with a particular piece of dishware while the two articles are being passed, transported, moved and/or at rest. For example, in some implementations of the invention, a butter/serving knife handle is kept clean by securing it away from the food trough on the serving dish as well as keeping the knife from falling off the butter/serving dish when passing the dish/knife set. In some implementations, a piece of dishware includes a mechanical or magnet retainer on the edge of the dish. In some implementations, an especially designed knife includes raised rings that fit on either side of the retainer to keep the knife in place, and to minimize forward/backward movement when transported or passed. The retainer also keeps the knife handle away from the food and clean for use. The secured knife also affords safety in its use.

In some implementations, a securing device includes a raised embedded magnet on one area of the edge of the dish in place of the mechanical receiver described above. The correspondingly (custom) designed knife includes a magnetized handle that fastens securely (but easily) to a magnetized area on the serving dish. The knife includes, for example, raised rings to guide or place the knife in an optimal position. The mechanical or magnetized retainers and especially designed knife can adapt in style to the varied designs of the dishes. Some implementations include a mechanical retainer that receives most dinner knives. This retainer sufficiently secures most any commonly weighted table knife. Some implementations include an o-ring retainer that slips onto any knife to avoid the slippage.

While the methods and processes of the present invention have proven to be particularly useful in the area of dishware, those skilled in the art can appreciate that these methods, processes, and structures can be used in a variety of different applications and in a variety of different areas of manufacture to yield equally advantageous results.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a dish and a utensil in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 provides a top view of the dish of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 provides a cross-sectional side view of the dish of FIG. 2 along line B-B;

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of the dish of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 provides a side view of the dish of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 provides a side cross-sectional side view of the dish of FIG. 5 along line A-A;

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of the dish and knife of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of the knife of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 provides a top view of the knife of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 provides a side view of the knife of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 provides a representative dish having a cover, a knife and a utensil retainer in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 provides a dish in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of a dish in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A-14C provide a top perspective view of a dish and representative utensils in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 provides a knife and a utensil retainer in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 provides a utensil retainer in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 provides another utensil retainer in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 18A-18B provide a magnetic utensil retainer and a utensil in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 provides a top view of a dish in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 provides dish having a magnetic utensil retainer, a dish cover, and a utensil in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 provides dish in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 provides dish and knife in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 provides a dish and a utensil in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 provides a dish and a utensil in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 provides a dish and a utensil in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 provides another magnetic utensil retainer and utensil in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 provides a dish with a magnetic utensil retainer and utensil in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 provides a side view of the dish of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 provides a cross-sectional view of the dish of FIG. 28 taken along line C-C;

FIG. 30 provides a top view of the dish of FIG. 27; and

FIG. 31 provides a cross-sectional view of the dish of FIG. 30 taken along line D-D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dishware having a utensil retainer. In particular, the present invention relates to a dishware having a utensil retainer that selectively retains a utensil in a substantially fixed position on the dishware when the utensil is not in use.

In the disclosure and in the claims the term “dish” refers to a single piece of dishware, such as a plate, a bowl, a saucer, a platter, a tray, or another vessel for holding food or an edible product.

In the disclosure and in the claims the term “utensil” refers to an instrument or device that is used in association with food or an edible product, such as a knife, a spoon, a fork, a ladle, tongs, a nut cracker, a basting brush, chop sticks, a crab cracker, or another instrument or device.

In the disclosure and in the claims the term “embedded magnet” refers to any component that produces a magnetic field and that is substantially embedded within a structure so that the element is substantially contained within the structure. Additionally, in metal structures, an embedded magnet includes any portion of the structure that produces a magnetic field even when that portion forms one or more outer surface(s) of the structure.

In the disclosure and in the claims the term “protruding utensil retainer” refers to a protruding structure or set of structures that mechanically retains a utensil in a fixed position on a surface when the surface is held in a substantially upright position. Non-limiting examples of protruding utensil retainers include a protruding ring, loop, channel, saddle, hook, sleeve, and/or sets or combinations thereof.

In the disclosure and in the claims the term “utensil retainer” refers to any structure or set of structures that functions to retain a utensil in a substantially fixed position. Non-limiting examples of a utensil retainer include a magnet, including an embedded magnet, of sufficient strength that retains a utensil on a flatware dish; and a protruding retainer.

In the disclosure and in the claims the term “retaining element” refers to “any structure or component of an article that assists that article in being retained within, on, or near another article.” Non-limiting examples of a retaining element on a utensil include rings, ridges, detents, or indents in a utensil that assist the utensil in being retained by a utensil retainer. Other non-limiting examples include a magnet or magnetic portion integrated into a utensil that assists the utensil to be retained by a magnetic utensil retainer.

In the disclosure and in the claims the term “substantially upright position” refers to a position between horizontal and about forty five degrees off horizontal.

Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for keeping a utensil on or in communication with a dish while the dish and utensil are passed, transported, moved, and/or at rest. For example, some embodiments serve to keep a butter/serving knife handle clean by securing it away from the food trough on the serving dish as well as keeping the knife from falling off the butter/serving dish when passing the dish/knife set. Some embodiments include both a dish and a knife. In some embodiments, a serving/butter dish includes a mechanical or magnet retainer on the edge of the dish. In some embodiments, an especially designed knife includes raised rings that fit on either side of the retainer to keep the knife in place, and to minimize forward/backward movement when transported or passed. The retainer keeps the knife handle away from the food and this clean for use. The secured knife also affords safety in its use.

In some embodiments, a securing device includes a raised embedded magnet on one area of the edge of the dish in place of the mechanical receiver described above. The correspondingly (custom) designed knife includes a magnetized handle that fastens securely (but easily) to a magnetized area on the serving dish. The knife includes knobs or raised rings to guide or place the knife in an optimal position. The mechanical or magnetized retainers and especially designed knife can adapt in style to the varied designs of the dishes. Some embodiments include a mechanical retainer that receives most dinner knives. This retainer sufficiently secures most any commonly weighted table knife. Some embodiments include a retainer that slips onto a knife to avoid slippage of the knife.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, a representative embodiment is provided that includes dish 102 having utensil retainer 106 integral with and protruding from dish 102. Utensil 104 is positioned within and retained by utensil retainer 106. In some embodiments, other utensils are used and/or retained by the utensil retainer. Other non-limiting examples of utensils include a spoon, a fork, a ladle, a tongs, a nut cracker, a basting brush, chop sticks, a crab cracker, etc. As illustrated, utensil 106 retainer selectively receives and retains utensil 104 in a substantially fixed position on the surface of dish 102 when the surface is held in a substantially upright position.

In some embodiments, the utensil retainer is integral with the dish. In other words, in these embodiments the utensil retainer is integrated as part of the whole dish. Thus, the utensil retainer is molded, cast, shaped or formed as part of the dish to form a unitized, integrated structure. In other embodiments, the utensil retainer is sized and shaped to be retrofitly coupled to a dish surface.

In some embodiments, the dish and/or utensil retainer is made of a polymer material, glass, a ceramic material, china, or another material. In some embodiments, the dish and the utensil retainer are dishwasher and microwave safe.

In some embodiments, a plurality of utensil retainers are included on a dish. Multiple utensil retainers are included, for example, to retain multiple utensils and/or to increase the placement options of the utensil(s) for a user.

As shown, in FIGS. 1-10 utensil retainer 106 includes a set of two protruding utensil retainers. In the illustrated embodiments, the protrusions are U-channel protrusions as to their shape. The geometries of the U-channel protrusions are configured to receive and retain utensil 104 in a mating fashion. Accordingly, in some embodiments the dimensions of the two U-channel protrusions are different in order to accommodate the reception of different parts of a utensil. For example, the handle end of the knife is bulkier than the blade end. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the U-channel protrusion that receives and retains either of these two knife portions is respectively shaped. Accordingly, in some embodiments having one or more U-channel protrusion, the height, width, and depth of the channel is customized to accommodate specific utensils. In other embodiments, the dimensions of a set of U-channel protrusion are equal. In some embodiments, a dish includes protruding utensil retainers that have non-U-channel shapes. Examples and discussion of these protruding utensil retainers is included below.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the illustrated embodiment includes a dish that defines a concave top surface. As shown, the dish includes a top surface that forms a trough with a substantially flat trough bottom 108 and curved or angled sides 110. Inside the food products may be placed. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, dish 102 includes a trough-shaped top surface that is used to serve butter. The trough assists the dish in maintaining the butter on the dish's top surface. A dish's top surface can have a variety of forms depending on the type of dish and its intended use.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, dish 102 includes a top surface that defines a trough, and utensil retainer 106 is located on the outer, curved surface of the trough. Locating the utensil retainer on the outer or upper portion of a trough keeps the utensil away from touching the food product. In other embodiments, the utensil retainer is located within or on the bottom surface of a trough. In yet other embodiments, a portion of the utensil retainer is located within or on the bottom surface of a trough or channel.

In FIGS. 1-10, utensil retainers 106 are located near a corner position of the dish. This location assists the dish in maintaining an upright, balanced position when a utensil is retained within the utensil retainer. In some embodiments, however, it is useful to locate the utensil retainer on a single side of a dish or horizontally across the center of a dish.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, an illustrated embodiment of a utensil is provided that includes a retaining element that helps retain the utensil within the utensil retainers. As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, utensil 104 is a knife that includes a retaining element in the form of two protruding ribs that are positioned so that they act as bookends to a utensil retainer. As shown in FIG. 1, the two ribs are configured to assist the retaining element in retaining the knife in a fixed location on the dish. In other embodiments, a retaining element includes rings, ridges, detents, indents or other structures that cause the utensil to be retained within a utensil retainer. In some embodiments, a utensil does not include a retaining element. In some embodiments, the utensil retainer retains a utensil in a fixed position without any retaining elements included on the utensil.

In FIG. 11, dish 120 is a butter dish having a bottom portion and a cover 124. Dish 120 includes utensil retainers 132. A more detailed view of the utensil retainers is shown in FIG. 17. Utensil retainers 132 are located on the outside portion of dish 120 so that the retainers do not obstruct or hinder the placement of cover 124 on the bottom portion of dish 120. Likewise, in some embodiments, the utensil retainer is positioned on a dish away from the path of a dish cover or other obstacle. In some embodiments, the utensil retainer is positioned so as to not protrude away from the dish in a manner that it could be easily broken during use or cleaning.

As shown in FIG. 12, dish 140 forms a deep trough 144 and includes utensil retainer 146 along the top of the dish 140. In some embodiments, the utensil retainer retains a utensil across the open trough of a dish. In the illustrated embodiment, utensil retainer 146 is a cut out portion of the dish or an indent in the dish. Utensil retainer 146 allows utensil 142 to rests within the void of the utensil retainer 146.

With reference now to FIG. 13, dish 150 includes a surface having a radius and utensil retainer 152, which is shown in greater detail in FIG. 15. With some dish shapes, the dish has a tendency to tip when a utensil is placed in a utensil retainer. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the dish includes a counterbalance or weighted base to prevent the dish from tipping. In some embodiments, the material selected for constructing the dish serves to weigh down the dish. In some embodiments, the dish includes a void, a hollow space, or an air pocket at or near the location of the utensil retainer to act as a negative counter balance. In some embodiments, combinations of the aforementioned solutions to tipping are included in combination.

In FIG. 14, dish 160 is a bowl and utensil retainer 162 is located on an outside surface of dish 160. Utensil retainer 162 is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 17.

FIGS. 15-18 illustrate various representative embodiments of utensil retainers. FIG. 15 illustrates a protruding utensil retainer 152 that protrudes upward from a surface of a dish. FIG. 16 illustrates a protruding utensil retainer 132 that protrudes upward from the side of a dish. In some embodiments, the protruding utensil retainer includes a channel that receives a utensil and retains it in a substantially fixed location. The channel of the protruding utensil retainer can include a variety of shapes to accommodate and retain the various utensils, such as U-shaped, hook shaped, or otherwise shaped so as to receive and retain a utensil. In some embodiments, the channel includes ridges or protrusions within the channel that mate with corresponding structures on a utensil.

In some embodiments, the utensil retainer includes one or more magnets 170. In some embodiments multiple magnets can be included along the length of a dish to accommodate placement of a utensil at multiple locations along a dish. In other embodiments, a single magnet or cluster of magnets is included within a single location on a dish. The magnet or magnets retain a utensil on the dish. In some embodiments, the magnet is an embedded magnet, embedded within the dish. In other embodiments, the magnet is partially embedded, but includes a portion of the magnet that is exposed. In some embodiments, the magnet is embedded within the dish, but is indistinguishable to a viewer of the dish. In other embodiments, the magnet is embedded within the dish, but the dish includes a bump, dent, protrusion, ornamental design, or other design at the location of the magnet.

In FIG. 18, utensil 182 includes a magnet 184. In some embodiments, a utensil includes an embedded magnet. In other embodiments, the utensil is fabricated from magnetic material such that all or a portion of the utensil is magnetic. As illustrated, dish 180 includes a utensil retainer 170 in the form of an embedded magnet. The combination of a utensil having a magnetic portion or embedded magnet and the magnet utensil retainer serves to retain the utensil on the dish in a substantially fixed position. In some embodiments the magnetic portion is designed such that the utensil can be easily removed from the dish and without the need of undue force.

In FIG. 19, knobs, ridges, bumps, or other such protrusions (illustrated as protrusions 194) are provided on dish 190 near embedded magnet 170. The protrusions can prevent food from entering the area of the magnet in order to keep clean the location that is configured to receive utensil 192.

In FIG. 20, butter dish 200 is illustrated having a magnetic utensil retainer 170. As illustrated, utensil retainer 170 protrudes from dish 200. In the illustrated embodiment, utensil 202 includes retaining element 204, which assists the utensil to be properly located on a dish having a magnetic utensil retainer 170. Retaining element 204 assists the blade of the utensil (the illustrated knife) from attaching to the magnet.

FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of a dish 210 having an embedded magnet that serves as a utensil retainer.

FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment of a dish 220 having a utensil retainer 222 with a clamp 226 that is selectively installed or removed from dish 220. In some embodiments, it is useful to be able to remove a utensil retainer from a dish or selectively add it to a dish. Accordingly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a utensil retainer is clamped or otherwise selectively fixed to a dish. In some embodiments, the clamp includes a retention member that selectively opens and shuts in response to pressure. In some embodiments, a clamp is installed by adjusting a retaining device to hold the utensil retainer in place. The clamp includes, for example, any type of utensil retainer herein discussed, including a protruding utensil retainer or magnetic utensil retainer.

FIG. 23 illustrates a dish 260 having a deep trough. The dish includes a utensil retainer 262 that allows a utensil 264 to lean into the trough while retaining the handle of the utensil outside of the trough to keep the handle of the utensil clean.

FIG. 24 illustrates a dish 270 having a utensil retainer 272 in the form of a sleeve. The utensil retainer is located above the dish body. In some embodiments, the sleeve is used as a handle for transporting the dish.

FIG. 25 illustrates a dish 280 having a utensil retainer 282 in the form of protruding posts. In some embodiments, the posts correspond to a retaining element on the utensil 282 in the form of a detent or hollowed out channel. In some embodiments, the posts are positioned and configured to receive a utensil and retain it in a fixed position between the posts. Any number of posts may be used.

FIG. 26 illustrates a dish 290 having an embedded utensil retainer 294 within protruding post 292. In the illustrated embodiment, an embedded utensil retainer 294, such as an embedded magnet 294, is disposed within a protruding post 292. This allows for users to easily identify the embedded utensil retainer 294, while the protruding posts 292 cooperates with the embedded magnet to hold the utensil 296 at a fixed location on the dish 290. The dish 290 can have a lid 298 that covers food items placed on the dish 290.

FIGS. 27 to 31 illustrate another dish 300 having an embedded utensil retainer 304 within protruding post 302. In the illustrated embodiment, an embedded utensil retainer 304, such as an embedded magnet 306, is disposed within a protruding post 302. This allows for users to easily identify the embedded utensil retainer 304, while the protruding posts 302 cooperates with the embedded magnet to hold the utensil 306 at a fixed location on the dish 300. The dish 300 can have a lid 308 that covers food items placed on the dish 300.

Thus, as discussed herein, embodiments of the present invention embrace dishware having a utensil retainer. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relates to dishware having a utensil retainer that selectively retains a utensil in a substantially fixed position when the utensil is not in use. In some embodiments, the utensil retainer includes a magnet embedded within the dish. In some embodiments, the utensil retainer includes a protruding retainer that extends from the dish. In some embodiments, a utensil is included having a retaining element that corresponds with the utensil retainer.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a dish having a utensil retainer that is sized and shaped to receive and selectively retain a utensil on the dish.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the utensil retainer is an embedded magnet within the dish.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the utensil retainer is a protruding utensil retainer extending from the dish.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the utensil having a retaining element that corresponds with the utensil retainer.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the retaining element includes a magnet.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the retaining element of the utensil mates with the utensil retainer.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the utensil retainer is integral with a top surface of the dish.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the utensil retainer is integral with a side surface of the dish.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dish defines a concave top surface having a flat surface within the concave top surface and an outer, curved surface surrounding the flat surface.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the utensil retainer is located on the outer, curved surface of the concave top surface.
 11. An apparatus comprising: a dish; and a utensil retainer coupled to the dish, the utensil retainer protruding from a surface of the dish.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the utensil retainer includes an embedded magnet.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the utensil retainer includes a concave top surface.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a utensil, the utensil having a retaining element that mates with the utensil retainer.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the utensil retainer is integral with a top surface of the dish.
 16. An apparatus comprising: a dish; and a magnet embedded within the dish, the magnet being of sufficient strength to retain a metal utensil on the dish.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising the metal utensil, which includes a magnetic portion.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the magnet is disposed within a protruding element of the dish.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the protruding element includes a concave top surface.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein magnet is located on a side of the protruding element. 